Top Mistakes Importers Make and How Customs Brokers Can Help

A customs broker in a white hard hat taking notes on a tablet in El Paso.

A customs broker in a white hard hat taking notes on a tablet in El Paso.

Are you the owner of an importing company and have come into a few issues while transporting goods across borders? Here, we will discuss common mistakes importers run into and how a customs broker can help avoid them. 

At Cordova Brokerage International, located in El Paso, TX, our experienced customs brokers can help make importing and exporting goods easier for you. We are dedicated to providing our clients with personalized services and can guarantee quality work. For more information, call us at (915) 595-8774 or contact us online today.

What to Avoid

If you’re new to the business of importing, then it’s not uncommon for you to make a few mistakes along the way. However, those mistakes could get you into trouble, cause a delay in shipping, and create unhappy customers. Hiring an El Paso customs broker can help you avoid these mistakes. Read below for a list of common errors a customs broker can help you avoid. 

  • Forgetting a Compliant Commercial Invoice- Without a proper invoice, the goods will not receive a stamp of approval for passage. Some invoice requirements are as follows: invoice must be in English, names of the buyers/sellers, what currency is being used, and the weights/quantities. 
  • Not Having Incoterms- These are the internationally accepted rules for most commercial terms. Proper incoterms must be assigned to your products to ensure the proper definitions of the goods. 
  • No COO (Country of Origin)- You must always include where your products are coming from. A customs broker will make sure your products are properly labeled before reaching customs. 
  • Lack of Details- In addition to the COO, you must also have where the products were manufactured, what is the quantity, and what is the product made out of. Our customs brokers will deal with all the details of importing so you won’t have to worry about missing something.  
  • Not Having Correct Rate- Imports typically have either a tax or tariff rate you have to pay for imports. A customs broker in El Paso will make sure you’re using the correct rate. 
  • Incomplete Paperwork- Some required paperwork includes an arrival notice, a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a packing list. 

Customs Broker in El Paso

Cordova Brokerage International, a customs broker located in El Paso, TX, offers unparalleled assistance when it comes to the importing and exporting of goods. Our services can be customized to adhere to specific company requirements and regulations. If you’re interested in working with us, call (915) 595-8774 today for more information.